Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Foot doctor - 12:50

80 laps
619 r14 559 r25 603 r14 557 r28 607 r5 557 r11 610 r16 611

Pool - Splits

Event: QOC Patapsco Valley State Park, MD
 

80 laps
610 r41 610 r25 618 613 r11 609 615 r18 603 609

Plan was to go to the pool at opening - 7:30 AM and then to QOC meet outside of Baltimore. Woke up naturally at 6:30 but was feeling stiff and cranky from yesterday's adventures, and I was pretty sure that I was going to stay in bed for two more hours instead of swimming. However, I got my act together, which included getting dressed, packing the car with tent, tent sides, and generator, among other things, and to the pool, hitting the water just 10 minutes late.

Ended up in lane 8 since all other lanes already had 1-2 people in them. Lane 8 has the handicap lift in it, so I think people avoid it in case they have to give way to someone who actually needs it. I was willing to chance it.

Motored along happily listening to tunes (note - need to get a better playlist, but this was better than nothing). So, OK, it was probably my fault for hugging the lane line, but at about lap 30 some guy dives into the other side of the lane with absolutely no acknowledgement to me ahead of time. How rude! I stewed for a bit, but then I let the music sooth my soul. Not worth letting it ruin the swim. Finished up, never once making eye contact with the guy, and he finishes just ahead of me and leaves the pool. Not sure why, but the first thing that pops into my mind was "wham, bam, thank you, ma'am." :) The pool was even more packed when I left with 2-3 people per lane and people stalking about.

Stopped by the house for some food, since the idea of the usual McD's fare didn't appeal this morning, and then off to the QOC meet. Thankfully, I also picked up a few more clothes while I was there, because the car was devoid of the usual number of extra jackets and layers and such. Still didn't have enough, what with the blowing rain and 40 F. Yes, we set up epunching in the O'Mobile, but I was in and out of the van a good number of times, letting the woman with a broken ankle run the computer, so I stayed just dry and warm enough. Really should have rethought things when Roger asked if I had my rain pants, and I lied and said yes. Small turnout with 70 starts, and the only kink in the works was my newly minted nemesis who didn't bother to download when he quit early.

C • Did I miss something? 15

A somewhat sucky day with having to deal with a broken water heater, and the dreary weather. Not that I intended to do a workout, and as it was dealing with a partially flooded basement was workout enough. Foot was in agony later.

Did have a nice lunch with Roger, so it wasn't a totally wasted day. Now have a new water heater as well, installed by RR, with job finished about 8:30 last night. RIP to the 24 year old unit. You did well, long after your estimated lifespan.

90 laps in sets of 30, just to mix it up a little. Wasn't feeling particularly tired or peppy, so worked on smoothness and didn't really look at the times. Tried not to slack off at the end. It would have been tough to do 10 more today, but I could have, if I needed to.

611 607 609 r39 610 (+15r)* 608 608 r36 602 608 610
*fiddling with goggles

Beautiful afternoon when I left the pool - between the bouts of rainy weather. Car inspected with 3 days to spare and oil change done in preparation for the NY trip in 2.5 weeks.

Pool - Splits

40 laps - no rest
612 601 553 552

Then to the diving well, and tried to keep up a good running effort and style.

MRI - 2:30

602 r17 604 r16 600 r19+* 553 **r28 554 r19 603 r11 556 r24 559

*1 lap @ 35 & then r39 to adjust things
**1 lap @ 41 to get back to the end I started on then r28

Pool - Splits

611 601 r14 554 r30 557 r25 549 r14 605 r32 605 556

Now have a waterproof shuffle to listen to. Liked it. Might have to figure out how to do podcasts next.

Pool - Splits

8 sets of 10 with new suit...
612 r9 608 r12 603 r22 556 r15 550 r18 608 r15 600 r13 558

The swimsuit saga (rated B for Boring)...when I decided to start swimming in December, I went to the local swim shop and tried on a training suit, size 18. I felt like there was just too much of me popping out of the top to be decent, and I didn't like the high cut leg openings. I opted for something I had at home -tri shorts and tank top. The pants are a bit baggy when wet causing them to have a bit of an air pocket at times, and the top is loose enough that I also wear a sports bra to stay contained and to prevent chaffing. Additionally, it has gel pockets and a zipper pocket which I don't think I need while lap swimming.

Next, I ordered a unitard online, but it was cut in a way which caused chaffing to my neck and underarm, and it had a shelf bra, which caused additional chaffing there. It also felt like a ton of material since it is fully lined, front and back.

The tri suit is wearing out quickly with all of the chlorine, so I was on the hunt still for a replacement. I ordered two more suits, which arrived on Saturday. These have more conservative leg openings, one with a modesty panel also have shelf bras, and I learned my lesson there. Return pending.

Today, back to the swim store and tried on the same suit I tried on in December since I need something snugger which isn't going to cause chaffing. Well, I have toned up enough at the top, that I felt comfortable that it was going to hold me this time around. For the leg opening issue, I bought some jammers, and I wore the suit over the jammers. I think it worked pretty well, though my spare tire is now accentuated in a way that it wasn't in the tri suit. Really have to work on the core! Well and the 199 which = too much pizza on Saturday and not eating well on Sunday either.

Pool - Splits

EX2 - Rosaryville - Half Marathon and 10K Kids run? Watch Lailah?

Paid for the day on my feet on concrete yesterday - overnight I woke up with a very painful back and foot. Better the next time I woke up but still tender.

Drove to Annapolis for a 8 AM pickup of Lailah so that the kids could have a few hours to get things done at their apartment.

Lailah anad I spent our time together playing with the guinea pigs, dressing the dolls, doing two puzzles (mostly me since they were for 6 & up), eating, and doing crafts (making some necklaces).

Then I drove her back to Annapolis. Once home again, I had a much needed nap, only dragging myself out of bed at 7 PM to eat something and process the race results.

Back to bed at 9:30 PM and slept better than I thought I would, though not great.

EX2 - Rosaryville - 6 hours of Cranky Money MTB race - epunching

A very good day of race timing, though a bit hectic setting up, and an issue with the radio controls buffering all of the data for like 3-5 minutes, or so it seemed. But, otherwise, comfortable weather and with Amy alongside, I had no reason to be grumpy. A Cheerful Money Day!

C • grumpy funds 5

Event: Run Black Diamond
 

629 r11 614 r31 615 r28 605 r25 614 r15 628 (split) r16 621 (3/4 split) r20 612
Did not use inhaler ahead of time. Breathing was pretty good. Slower but less rest between.

3 PM Physical

MRI Left ankle and hind foot March 26 at 2:30

634 r42 602 r54 554 r106 559 r40 601 r43 612 r43 614 r115 614

Pool before my physical. I was starting to think that the times I recorded near 600 a while back were bogus, but it turns out that I must have shortened up my stroke in a way that was slowing me down.

Of course, I was so speedy today that my breathing could not keep up, meaning longer breaks between sets of 10 (250 yards), but it was encouraging.

I am going to feel it tomorrow. Yeah!!

Pool - Splits

12:50 Foot specialist

Breathing a little tight but not much coughing today, so that was good. Pool pretty quiet when I got there.
Helen, the lifeguard, who is also one of the instructors, opinions that I am not reaching far enough out with my strokes - elbow is too bent. That will be the next thing to work on.
656 r40 637 r32 610 r26 640 r35 631 r25 638 r37 638 r33 646

Another snow day! Cleaned off the cars, did two loads of laundry, had a long nap, and piddled the day away.

Event: QOC Turkey Run Ridge
 

EX2 - Wakefield - Spring BYB Trail Run - timing (postponed from March 9)

Updated the race timing calendar for the rest of the year.

Race timing at Wakefield Park today. Not really interested in driving down 95 to QOC meet after, so I packed the pool stuff and went there instead. Lanes all being pretty full made the best option a run. Stuck that out for 30 minutes, but was extremely bored, so then eyed up the lap lanes.

May have butted into a lane out of turn, in front of some guy. Oops.
Split lane - 40 laps
652 18r 641 13r 634 9r 642
Felt good to swim.

I rode inbound after Roger dropped me off in Reston. Maybe a little ambitious but my sore butt was worth it.

Turned to the south from the bike trail and was slammed by the wind. Battled to the bottom of the hill and knew that I was too tired to get up the hill. Walked the first part and then "rode" the second part. So happy to be able to do a bike ride today. Will need to build on this.

Thanks to an afternoon nap, I couldn't fall asleep until after 1 AM this morning. Agh! But, I had already said I may not be in today, so I had options this morning, so I slept from 3-8, and then I went to my doctor's to give my pre-physical liquids (spell check said pee-physical, but I'll stick with less TMI).

I really, really wanted to swim today, and since my head felt clear enough, I decided to give it a try, with 30 minutes being my goal. Went out easy and with no breathing issues, despite not having an inhaler to use ahead of time. I was so happy to be swimming! Go figure! Did the 40 laps I aimed to do and then added on 10 - with the admonishment to myself that I couldn't add on anymore today.

A very therapeutic session, in more ways than one. And, once again, my skin has that faint smell of chlorine that I have become used to...

Foot update - It hurts. Appointment on Wednesday.

Started feeling blah on Monday, and had a sore throat and headache the next day, followed by head cold, now it is in my chest a bit. Stayed home Tuesday and Thursday (today). Headache back today. Sad not to be swimming.

C • Swimming 2

Event: QOC Little Bennett
 

EX2 race cancelled, so I could do the QOC event, and play with the networking and radio controls, but I needed to get some exercise in before I headed to Clarksburg.

Plan was to set the alarm for 6:50, since the pool opens at 7:30, swim for an hour, shower, McDs, then to the park by 9:30ish. Well, I would have skipped the swim, but I WAS WIDE AWAKE AT 3:#% (2:30 before the time change), so I gave up at 6:30 and got up. Ate some melon, loaded the car, headed to the pool.

Rewarded with a lane to myself the entire time. Stroking is getting easier, but using my inhaler a little earlier is also helpful. I was starving the whole time! Breakfast burritos never tasted so good.

Anyway, plan executed, despite strong resistance. And, the QOC event went very well - 151 starts, 214 participants, no NJROTC. Got the O-Lynx results display working after figuring out my stupidity with the networking, and people were super happy with live results.

Another very fine day, except for the painful foot.

Back to 80 - yay?!
641 r21 637 r26 626 r20 629 r36 621 r24 631 r11 633 r26 624

Event: QOC Little Bennett NightO
 

Sarah, Matt, and Lailah came for a visit today. After watching the wonderful team from Champion Auto Glass replace the windshield in the O Mobile, Lailah and I did trains, cabbage patch, my little ponies, and a short visit to the pool, shortened by the fact that Lailah had a head cold. Won't be surprised if I am sick as well in the next day or two, but it will be so worth it.

Walked to the pool with Sarah, Matt, and Lailah. The resulting pain convinced me that I wasn't up to doing the Night O this evening. A little bummed at not being able to take the ay up lights out for a spin. Best lights ever.

643 r34 645 r15 646 r33 637 r37 633 r40 622 r54 630
Worked on extending laps back to 80 (managed 70) with bilateral breathing and keep form at the same time. Mentally tough. Also did not want to work today so blew off another day of leave. Roger will be 70 next month (I am 55). He wants to keep working. I hate going to my job. What can we work out here?

60 laps, all bilateral except one. Only choked once.
645 r15 643 r26 646 r31 651 r27 655 r16 643

Swimming, swimming in the swimming pool,
When days are hot
When days are cold
in the swimming pool.
Breaststroke
Sidestroke
Fancy diving too?
Don’t you wish you never had
Anything else to do.

C • Thanks for that.... 3

60 laps all between 630-640, but cleared my watch, so fudged a little longer since I have nothing exact. Breathing getting easier, helped today by the fact that my asthma symptoms had subsided. Actually being able to take deep breaths is helpful. Rested 20-30 seconds between each set of ten.

50 laps. Breathing rough. Lots of coughing. Lane to myself. Yeah for that. People came and doubled up elsewhere, but my flailing around must have deterred them from sharing with me. All bilateral every 1.5 strokes. Getting a little easier, though still more exhausting then all to the right side. Had to stop and stand up once when I swallowed too much water.

716 r23 654 r23 646 r8 644 r25 637

Mentally easier than more laps today. :)

Bummer, another snow day, aka, paid day off work.

Slept in until 930, was served blueberry pancakes, watched the birds (cardinals, blue jays, grackles, doves, woodpeckers, finches), shoveled a bit, nap #1, laundry, cleaned off the cars, talked to Amy, nap #2, dealt with the water released for the water heater pressure release thingee, dinner, bed. Tough day, not!

C • Cabbage patch 2

Event: QOC Patapsco Avalon
 

EX2 - Hemlock - Spring BYB Trail Run - timing

2014 race timing season started today at Hemlock Overlook Park in Clifton, VA. A good venue to start with, since the course is hilly and racers are a bit spread. Next week - Wakefield - the fast and furious course - more pressure. The company owner is looking at purchasing a chip timing system which will handle trail races, MTB races (with multiple laps), a tri, and lap races. I am in favor of this, because I see this as the way to eventually work my way out of the manual race timing business.

After stopping at the shopping center from hell for pet food on the way home, and HD for some flexible tubing for the pond, and a rest period while Roger napped, I headed to the pool. I was going to bike over, but it had just started to rain. It was packed, not only the lap lanes, but the diving well with synchronized swimming. So, I paced around waiting for a lane, and then watched three guys stand in the middle of a lane chatting for five minutes. When they made their way to the end, I asked if they were done, and if they were just chatting, they needed to take it elsewhere. "No offense." [Valerie speaks up - I am still shocked!] Two of three swam four more laps, and then I got half the lane with a guy who didn't deserve it because he didn't speak up himself.

Anyway, after all of that babbling, and muscling my way into the lane, I only managed 40 laps. However, with the encouragement of Charlie, Gail, and Cristina, I did them all with bilateral breathing every third stroke, or maybe that is every 1.5 strokes. Either way, it was exhausting, especially with all of the turbulence, but it was also a little easier today - I wasn't sinking quite as much.

I could have done 40 more all on one side, but I decided I did not want to reinforce the dominant side since I was making progress, and there were also people waiting for lanes. So, I got out - payback for being bitchy earlier. :)

May regret it later, but I decided that the foot hurts anyway, so I may as well stop babying it. Treadmill to be a little smart in case this was a really dumb idea. Five minutes each warm up and cool down.

Running at 1 minute @ 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8. mph, 12 minutes @ 5 mph, then the reverse of the first four minutes. Different parts of ankle and foot objected, but it felt good in general.

80 laps, last 10 included 7.5 of BS because I was pooped.

657 713 654 r27 700 710 r27 700 704 719

Worked more on breathing to both sides. Some whole laps and some alternating every third stroke to the opposite side. Overall maybe 80% alternating. It was not as awkward as yesterday, but I am not there yet.

Got there at opening, but had to share a lane almost right away. A very good teenage girl who was going twice as fast as I - less embarrassing than the lady with only one leg lapping me . :)

This visit with my sister went better since I went with a purpose. I do not do well with making small talk, so I offered to come and cut her hair. She accepted, even though I had butchered it the last time I cut her hair. But, that time we were four...